Foreign Exchange Students Say Goodbye to Alvirne

August 2, 2013

AHS students with their German exchange students AJ DICKINSON/Photos

The German exchange students waving out the window moments before their bus left. AJ DICKINSON/Photos

by AJ Dickinson

Alvirne students gathered in the AHS parking lot Tuesday, July 30 to say their final goodbye’s to their foreign exchange students from Germany. AHS has been actively participating in foreign exchange programs for over a decade. The program, as Dan Wells teacher at AHS explained, really forms strong bonds between the students. “We got kids who participated in the early 2000s and they are still in touch with their partners … the family friendships remain for over a life time,” said Wells.

There’s the obvious cultural differences between America and Germany explained Wells, “Ultimately what you realize is that we are all the same. When you strip away all of those cultural differences and maybe even attitudes towards the world. Even though we live on the other side of the ocean when you get down to it we’re all the same.” Although the Alvirne students will be arriving in Germany during February vacation many found themselves crying as they said goodbye to their foreign friends.